Amroth
Woburn Hill
Addlestone
March 29th 1915
My dear Eugénie
I will write you a few lines this evening in answer to your very kind letter of sympathy for us in the terrible loss we have sustained in poor Charlie’s sudden death; he was apparently quite well until two or three minutes before he died, he was seized quite suddenly and it was declared heart failure. His poor widow is greatly distressed, his death happened when with her alone, and it has been a most terrible shock to her, the children being young do not quite realise what his loss means to them and to us all, but time will show them he was laid to his rest last Tuesday in Windlesham Churchyard amongst all his friends and people who knew and respect him; it is very difficult to realise that he has gone, I shall miss him terribly, he was a good son to me and always willing to help me with his advice, and managed all my affairs and those of my large family; he is at rest and happy, we are left to mourn and the blank is very great.
Fred has just had a few days’ leave but returned to France this afternoon, he and Frank are poor Charlie’s executors, it is rather unfortunate Fred is abroad, as he is wanted here, however it cannot be helped; he was looking very well and seems to like his work, which consists principally of taking ammunition to the batteries, of course sometimes under fire, he seems to like the work and I pray that he may be preserved from all harm, also your dear boys. So George has gone, and I suppose that Cyril will soon follow, I was very pleased to see Cyril a few weeks back.
Frank has a son born on the 24th and Archie M has a son born yesterday, both babies and mothers are doing well. I am glad you are feeling better. I will remember your boys in my prayers.
With much love from
Your affectionate sister
Fanny E J Butler
